Greek unemployment reaches 23%

Greece's unemployment rate in May rose to 23.1 per cent from 22.6 per cent in the previous month, according to the Athens-based Hellenic Statistical Authority today.

A spokesman for the European Commission said it considers unemployment in Greece a matter of "deep concern".

"Unprecedented" levels of unemployment, and especially of youth unemployment, are an issue that Greek authorities and the so-called troika of international lenders must address, the spokesman told reporters in Brussels today.

Industrial production rose 0.3 per cent in June from the same month a year ago compared with a 2.9 per cent drop in May, according to a separate statement.